Disk Utility Icon

Converting a disk image

You can use Disk Utility to convert the image format and encryption of a disk image.

For example, if you create a "read/write" disk image but later want to protect the image from changes, you can convert the image to "read only" format.

  1. If the disk image is open, select it in the list of disks and volumes.
  2. Choose Images > Convert.

    If you haven't selected the disk image, locate it in the dialog and click Convert.

  3. Choose the new image format or encryption.
  4. Type a new name for the image, and click Save.

You can also change the volume format of a disk image using the Erase panel. When you create a disk image, its format is Mac OS Extended (Journaled). When you erase a disk image, you can change it to another format, such as UNIX File System. Erasing a disk image deletes all the files it contains.

See also

disk images

formatting disks